Harold Gene Jefferies

May 22, 1937 - July 2, 2013
TIPPECANOE - Lifelong Tippecanoe resident, Mr. Harold Gene Jefferies, 81, passed away at 10:00 PM Tuesday, July 2nd, at home. Born in Tippecanoe on May 22, 1932, Harold Gene was the treasured son of Ralph and Arlene Shaffer Jefferies. Growing up he shared his childhood with a sister, Marylou. Answering the call to serve our country during the Korean War, Harold enlisted and served with the United States Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged, achieving the rank of Corporal. During his military stint he served as cannoneer, also participating in maneuvers in the Mediterranean. An accomplished softball pitcher with a lightening fast release, Harold was a right-handed pitcher for the U.S. Marine team. In Rochester, Harold and Jacqueline Hinkle were married on November 28, 1954. Their union spanned nearly 53 years and produced two beautiful daughters, Jody and Jerri. Sadly, at age 8 years old, Jerri passed away. With their love for agriculture, Harold and Jackie lived on their beautiful 6-acre hobby farm, nestled at the edge of Tippecanoe. Living up the road nearby, he helped his parents with the family farming operation. Together they planted 80 acres of soybeans and corn annually, and milked 20 head of Holstein. Each fall Harold and Jackie's truck patch garden produced a bountiful harvest that was enjoyed by family and special friends. He was the proud owner of an International Harvester M and a Ford Jubilee. Harold also worked away from the farm with the Marshall County Highway as a supervisor. As a grandpa and patriarch of the family, Harold was proud of his legacy, the four generations he oversaw. Visits from his grandchildren brought him many good memories. The arrival of little Jacqueline, named after his wife, was a special joy. There was nothing better than good times shared with family. Harold is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Jody Luke, and husband, Michael of Goshen; 2 grandchildren, Jason Luke and wife, Chelsey, and Kelly Scholten and husband, John; a great-granddaughter, Jacqueline Nicole Scholten; a sister, Marylou Botich of South Bend; and nieces and nephews. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, wife Jacqueline on October 29, 2007, and a daughter, Jerri Jefferies. A celebration of the life of Mr. Harold Gene Jefferies will be at 12 noon on Monday, July 8, 2013, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester, with Rev. Robert Jarboe officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 10-12 on Monday in the funeral home. Harold will be laid to eternal rest next to his beloved wife at the Rochester IOOF Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by the Fulton County Veterans Honor Guard and the U.S. Marine's Honor Team. On-line expressions of sympathy may be made to his family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.